United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
How is the test organized?
- USMLE study programs are customized based on the individual student's strengths and weaknesses, targeted score range, and time available for studying.
- Diagnostic testing is conducted at the outset of the study program and analyzed by the physician instructor.
- Because all medical board examinations cover a wide range of material, and test-takers typically face significant limitations on study time, our materials are specifically designed for rapid learning.
- While mastering the medical knowledge needed for each exam is the main goal, many students find that significant gains can also be made through enhancement of test-taking skills. We include this important aspect of test preparation. Students take numerous practice tests that they later review with the physician tutor to improve understanding of both critical test-taking skills and vital medical content.
What Kind of Exam Is It?
- The USMLE is a three-part licensing examination given over a period of several years, usually beginning midway through medical school and ending in the first year after completion of medical school.
- Computer-based examinations can be taken throughout the year, with the exception of the first two weeks of January, depending on availability at local testing centers. The "Clinical Skills" mock-patient exam is currently given in five major cities on numerous dates.
| Section | Content | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basic science as it applies to medicine | Computer-based multiple choice | One Day |
| 2CK | Clinical diagnosis and the pathophysiology of disease | Computer-based multiple choice | One Day |
| 2CS | Clinical diagnosis and the pathophysiology of disease | Interactive live patient exam, requiring limited histories and physicals with actors trained to interact with student physicians in a standardized way | One Day |
| 3 | Clinical management of patient presentations and complications | Computer-based multiple choice; clinical case scenarios in which the candidate directs patient care through an interactive computerized order system | Two Days |
Is there any additional information?
- Advantage Testing also provides instruction for selected specialty exams, including the examinations in pediatrics, emergency medicine, and family medicine.
- Specialty board examinations and recertification examinations vary in content, timing, and format. While the majority of them still utilize a paper-and-pencil format, most plan to transition to computer-based testing in the next several years. Some specialty examinations include an oral examination as well as a written examination.
How far in advance should I prepare?
Students generally begin preparation several months prior to the scheduled exam. Diagnostic test results and other factors help us design a program responsive to the individual student's needs.
